I have nothing but good things to say about this website. In fact, I’m elated. Beyond elated! In fact, I will probably stalk it. It’s such a breath of fresh air for us! The fact that Vogue has dedicated an entire site to the beauty of Black women is quite admirable. And now, I’m hoping, praying, begging them to have some makeup articles! It’s always interesting (to me) how the “ethnic” sections of publications deal with hair, for the most part. Whether it’s weaves, fro’s, or hair treatments, it seems to be the “Black Beauty Focus”. Granted, I understand that hair is “our thing”, and that many of us spend more money and attention on our hair than our faces. But still, we love makeup too!
Vogue Curvy might be (dare I say) even more genius than Vogue Black. Woman larger than size 6 seem to be shunned in the fashion industry over the past few decades. While there are many Black women who will find happiness reading Vogue Black, there are probably more people who relate and need to see women with shape! While I don’t necessarily fit into the “curvy” category for the new website, I’m almost taken back by the lack of plus-sized anything and everything! I walked past Torrid and Lane Bryant in the mall one day and thought, “is this it”? If the average size of a woman in the U.S. is a 16, where is the freakin’ variety?
I’ve bookmarked both websites into my “Daily Reads” folder. Kudos to Vogue Italia for being leaders and creating something truly remarkable!
One of the reasons that many people don’t get the best color payoff is because they aren’t utilizing bases. Bases not only make your shadows last longer, they make them stand out! Let’s re-cap. There are matte bases and creamy bases. I typically use the matte bases alone for a soft matte look. When I want color to pop, I layer the creamy base over the matte. Creamy bases are known to crease easily, so this is why I layer them with a matte. Check out my guide to eye shadow primers for more info!
I’ll demonstrate how to make your eye shadows look more vivid and more expensive! I’ll be using the NYX Jumbo Pencil in Horseraddish and the Covergirl Queen Eye Shadow Quad in Blue Notes. To be completely honest, I was extremely disappointed in the color payoff of the Covergirl shadows. There was virtually no pigment to them. Nevertheless, I was determined to make my $5 purchase work!
Another person I adore!!! Her videos are always so entertaining and edited beautifully! I met in Baltimore this Summer and we talked forever. This video is all about hair growth, and lack there of. This is not just about natural hair. It’s an AWESOME video. AWESOME I tell you. Definitely a must see. Like, now!
This isn’t a new video, but it’s a really, really good reference for those of you who want more Make Up For Ever products. I met Reena at The Makeup Show and she is so awesome. This video made my list grow. Plus, she has some fabulous makeup organization videos, and many, many haul videos.
Scott Barnes has been featured on my blog many times, I live for his makeup! In fact, I’ll be featuring his products on Youtube and my blog again in the upcoming days. He’s got a whole series of makeup tutorials up on Youtube, and this is one of my favorites. I’ve seen something similar on one of his clients, Jennifer Lopez, and I know this is how we can achieve it! I so can’t wait to try it! Video coming soon!
Here’s a fun way to use the MAC Cosmetics Holiday Naughty Eye Bag! I have Shimmertime pigment from it’s launch a few years ago. I should try this look! She also did a really great (and completely honest) review of Sam Fine’s DVD. She makes me want it even more!
Here’s a video that showcases Nars blushes side by side! Genius idea. She’s got quite a few, so this is an introduction to lots of new (and limited edition) shades! Nars makes the best blushes ever, In my opinion.
Alrighty, let me tell you. I have never seen NYX pigments, but I’m going to need some. Now. She created this entire look for about $10! Her philosophy is that you should never break the bank on beauty products. Smart way of thinking, no? BTW, I have a major crush on her locs!!!
I love, love Marsha. She’s definitely one of my favorite people on Youtube. Not to mention, she is so fly! She’s got a style all her own, which is amazing. Here’s her review of the MAC Holiday collections, plus her road trip with her husband to Oyin!!
Becca Cosmetics is one of the most underrated beauty brands in the makeup industry. This Australian brand has more products than many other lines, and the quality is impeccable. The focus is always beautiful, pleasant makeup. The brand is becoming more and more exclusive, only being carried at a handful of locations. Here are the top 5 products from the brand.
1. Stick Foundation
If you are looking for the most natural, undetectable coverage, here’s the perfect foundation stick for you to try. One of the main reasons I fell head over heels for this company years ago was because the vast range of foundation shade options. As a Woman of Color, we often have more than one color on our faces. Becca is the first brand that offered enough shades that we may accurately do our makeup. Please note that Becca was not created by an Black woman, and includes even more shades for women who aren’t Black. The company got it right! No matter how dark or light you are, Becca has your color!
2. Creamy Concealer
Such a genius idea. This luxe blend concealer offers options. On one side, you’ve got a super light, medium coverage formula. On the other side, there is a full coverage version to tackle more blemishes. While using the product on a friend, I used a round contour brush to swirl the colors around in the pot, then applied in circular motions to her problem areas. We were left with gorgeous, glowy skin with no hint of blemishes!
3. Cream Blush
Becca is the one stop shop for cream blush, as far as I’m concerned. The colors aren’t thick and goopy like many brands. A little goes a very long way, so build on the color instead of applying a lot at once. While wearing a dewy or satin skin look, cream blush give you the look of blushing from within. My favorite shades are Hyacinth for a springy, youthful cheek, Dahlilah for a natural tawny look, or Lotus for a deeper berry cheek.
4. Eye Shadow
I’m in love with shadows that look and feel luxurious. Becca Cosmetics creates just that. They’ve got a selection that is not only frosty, but also with matte and satin finishes. You’re sure to find love at first finger swipe! Next on my list, Venise, pictured above. I’ve had my eye on it since last May!
5. Makeup Palettes
Another standout item from the brand! Try five of the brands items in one convenient package. I’m dying to get the Aurora palette. This particular palette includes a powder and creme eye shadow, eye liner, creme blush and a nude lip gloss. How divine is that??
If these shades aren’t for you, or you’d like a sample of their top sellers, check out the Best of Becca Palette. The combination of shadows, creames and glosses is sure to keep you a Becca Fan forever!
If you want to find your perfect foundation and powder shades, use this trusty guide. It really works! (Double click to enlarge it!) I could go on and on about the other stand out items at Becca Cosmetics, but I’ll save that for another time. If you would like to learn how to use Becca’s products, check out ZunetaBeauty on Youtube. They highlight and demo almost every product! Click here to find Becca in your area!
I might have had the longest weekend in history. I flew (sick and disturbed due to my immense fear of flying) to Chicago for The Artist Summit! Three action packed days of beauty! I met a slew of people…hung out, partied, shopped, learned, interviewed (and froze), and it was fabulous. Here are my top 5 highlights, in no particular order!
1. Inglot Cosmetics- I’d never played with (or heard of) this brand before, but they had some intense products! They’ve got lipsticks, pigments, glosses, cream liners, you name it, they have it! They’ve got a cool concept, where you can place your products in a “freedom system”, a palette that includes and of their products. If you want shadows, blushes and glosses in one palette, it’s simple.
2. Crown Brush-Department store quality brushes that start at $2 a pop. I bought 6 brushes that I’ve never seen before…by any brand, for $18. Who can beat it? Plus, they accept Paypal! In depth reviews to come..
3. Alcone- The brand that creates the greatest makeup sponges and makeup wipes of all time were in the house. I walked right up to the booth, got distracted by someone speaking to me, and left them there! Seriously, Alcone is an industry leader, and their teeny tiny makeup store houses just about everything you’ll need as an artist!
4.Web Photo Master-The hands down easiest ( and visually rewarding) way to create a stunning portfolio online. ‘Nuff said.
5. Classes! I sat in on Kathy Aragon’s class on Camera Ready Makeup. I might be ready to tackle the daunting feat! She swears by many cult makeup faves, Face Atelier Foundation (plus, she uses the ultra sheer along the cheek for added dewyness), L’Oreal Voluminous mascara, the Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer and Make Up For Ever Star Powders.
A $42 moisturizer has never been something I was interested. My cocoa butter has always done me well! Just a few weeks ago, my girls from Total Beauty and I went to the flagship Kiehl’s store, and let me tell you, it’s amazing! I’ve been to many Kiehl’s counters (I’ve used their deoderant and Repairitive Hair Pak) but there’s nothing like the flagship! Much of the store’s decor still remains the same as it was in the 1800’s. The Imperial Body Balm is a odorless, mustard yellow shade, interesting to say the least. The key ingredient is Sea Buckthorn Berry, a fruit found in Russia and China. It’s known to protect, restore and heal. How amazing is that?
If you’re trying to do some early holiday shopping, you might want to consider the Lip Balm #1 40th Anniversary set! You’ve seen the balm in several publications, and now you can give it out to friends and family! Each is individually packaged, and comes in 6 delicious flavors. I’ve only tried the original non-scented, but I’m really going to need the mango or vanilla in my bag ASAP!
Now that MAC Style Black has finally taken the World by storm, I felt it appropriate to show how to use the products. The new shadows come in four shades jam packed with color, but they might be a bit intimidating. If used without a moistening agent, the shadow might not just lay on your eyes, but fall onto your cheeks, and float away around your room. (Trust me, I learn it while doing the MAC Style Black video review.) MAC Mineralize products have a lot of versatility due to their wet/dry capacity. Sure there are other products from brands that can be used in the same manner. The technique can be applied to all of the eyeshadows and blushes from this line. So, if you want them to look more intense, just follow the tutorial below.
Here’s what I used for this tutorial (all MAC unless otherwise noted)
Sea and Sky Mineralized e/s duo
NW35 Studio Finish Concealer
Swiss Chocolate e/s
Feline Eye Kohl
Red Cherry Wsp Lashes
MUFE HD Foundation #875
Blunt and Brown Script on Cheeks
Nars Honolulu Honey Lipstick
I created these videos over a year ago, but they are still very relevant today. Here’s part one of the tutorial, where we fully apply the eye shadow. It’s a very easy look, and this technique can be easily used with any Mineralize Products.
For the second part of the tutorial, we’ll finish the look with lashes!
Think of these as Shadesticks, but with 5 times the lasting ability. The black has to be my favorite. It’s super black and edgy, but with a purple glimmer. I was skeptical about these because to me, greasepaint just sounds like colour will run down your cheek as the day does on. These are really creamy, and they aren’t transfer resistant. I ran my fingers over the swatches over and over, but nothing came off! For more of the grease effect, I would use the Black Cream Color Base on top!
The purple (“V”) and blue (“B”) will be part of the MAC Dsquared collection that hits stores October 1st!
Oh, a surprise feature! There’s a built in pencil sharpener in the back of the pencil! You’ve got the option to make the point as thin r dull as you want for precise application!
I thoroughly enjoyed the MAC Style Black Collection! It’s out in stores today, so be sure to check it out! Here’s a video review of the collection!
This tutorial has been on my mind since the show was actually on air. I danced around the idea of doing the tutorial because I wanted to do complete drag hair, makeup and outfit. But last night, I’d had enough. I decided to do a look that represented all of the Absolut flavors from the Absolut Drag Ball episode. I used my favorite lashes, Red Cherry WSP, although I think they were much thinner than usual. Recession much? Hopefully this look would make the girls proud. Isn’t it the coolest thing in the world to see ladies in drag do their makeup? It’s so freakin’ entertainment! Now that’s how you learn to blend! The new season should be starting soon, and I’m beyond elated!!!
You may think Beyonce is a stuck up diva. You may think she’s the sweet Southern belle. You might also think she’s a terrible singer. It’s possible that you might believe she’s the greatest singer of our generation. One thing is for sure though…that woman is a entertainer like no other. I’ve seen her in concert twice, and I’ll continue to do so! Seriously, she brings it. Every time.
This tutorial is my rendition of the gold look that she wore throughout the concert. Beyonce does her own makeup on tour (wow!), and she’s pretty freakin’ good at it! For my face, I used two Black Opal Stick Foundations “Khalahari Sand” and “Beautiful Bronze” with Ben Nye Loose Powder in “Banana”. Here’s a tutorial of how I highlighted and contoured my face using the two.
For the eyes, I used two colors of glitter by MAC Pro. I also used #48 Red Cherry lashes. These have been sitting in my lash box forever, and quite frankly I thought they were ugly and akward. I tried them on…and WOW. They are on my list of lashes to purchase in NYC this weekend! Yes! Here’s the eye makeup tutorial on Youtube! Enjoy!
The internet is abuzz about the newest editions to Vogue Italia : Vogue Black and Vogue Curvy. I heard a bit about it on Twitter, but wasn’t sure if it was a new print issue, an ad campaign or what. And then I find out that every Brown woman’s fairy blog mother: Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik of Afrobella has contributed!
